Thamesmead mum barred from warming baby milk 'over health and safety'

STAFF at a baby-weighing clinic in Thamesmead barred a mum from warming her 8-week-old son's bottle due to "health and safety" fears, it has been claimed.

Nikki Rawsthorne said fellow parents at Gallions Reach Health Centre were "gobsmacked" when health visitors told her she could not warm little Jude's milk.

The mum-of-five said when she first arrived for the centre's baby weighing clinic, she was given a waiting number of 13, meaning a wait of at least half an hour.

She said: "My son was due a bottle around 1.30pm so at 1.20pm so I asked a member of staff if I could warm his bottle.

"At first I was told to wait and the staff member would find somewhere. Then after five minutes when my son became very impatient I asked again to which I was told 'No, I'm sorry we can't warm bottles due to health and safety'.

"I then asked what could possibly be so dangerous about warming a bottle in a microwave for 30 seconds?

"I was treated as if my request was totally unreasonable and shown absolutely no compassion."

Ms Rawsthorne, of Greenhaven Drive, said: "By then the baby was screaming the place down.

"Everyone in the waiting room with me was gobsmacked as well.

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"They said they had kettles but how could they not have a facility for warming babies' bottles?"

The 35-year-old said her son was unable to keep cold milk down and so she was forced to take him home again and come back later.

She said: "Could you imagine if a first time mum experienced that who didn't live so close? It's just dreadful.

"To me it's just like going into KFC and they've got no chicken."

A spokesman for Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, which provided the health visitors, said: "At present, we do not have the kitchen facilities to warm bottles safely at Gallions Reach Health Centre.

Current Department of Health guidance around warming baby feeds states that formula feeds should be freshly made immediately prior to feeding and warming previously prepared feeds is not recommended.

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"Where feeds are warmed they should be warmed in a specific bottle warmer or the bottle should stand in warm water for a period of time.

"Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust would like to apologise to Ms Rawthorn that the reason why she could not warm a bottle was not explained to her properly. This has highlighted the need for us to look at the facilities we have available at our baby clinics."

"The mum-of-five"
Needs to think about up the bottle in future.Gypo.Joe

"The mum-of-five" Needs to think about up the bottle in future.

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Inspirationalady28 says...12:10am Wed 20 Feb 13

What would Oxleas know about "health and safety" anyway!?

What would Oxleas know about "health and safety" anyway!?Inspirationalady28

What would Oxleas know about "health and safety" anyway!?

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MJB says...8:30am Wed 20 Feb 13

Would never warm a bottle up in a microwave (warm spots = bad) but can't see any reason why they couldn't have provided warm/hot water for the bottle to sit in. Think we ended up at this place for a jab for the little 'un (not our usual place) and it was bloody horrible.

Would never warm a bottle up in a microwave (warm spots = bad) but can't see any reason why they couldn't have provided warm/hot water for the bottle to sit in.
Think we ended up at this place for a jab for the little 'un (not our usual place) and it was bloody horrible.MJB

Would never warm a bottle up in a microwave (warm spots = bad) but can't see any reason why they couldn't have provided warm/hot water for the bottle to sit in. Think we ended up at this place for a jab for the little 'un (not our usual place) and it was bloody horrible.

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MsChevious says...9:08am Wed 20 Feb 13

Most parents I know who bottle-feed take a flask of hot water out with them so they can warm bottles on the go, it's not that difficult. Although 'health & safety' might be annoying we live in a sue-happy culture and if they had warmed the milk and it was too hot then no doubt she'd be here whining about that instead. The reason so many places are now having to turn down reasonable requests is because some people are unreasonable in their expectations. Sucks, but the few have ruined things for everyone!

Most parents I know who bottle-feed take a flask of hot water out with them so they can warm bottles on the go, it's not that difficult.
Although 'health & safety' might be annoying we live in a sue-happy culture and if they had warmed the milk and it was too hot then no doubt she'd be here whining about that instead. The reason so many places are now having to turn down reasonable requests is because some people are unreasonable in their expectations. Sucks, but the few have ruined things for everyone!MsChevious

Most parents I know who bottle-feed take a flask of hot water out with them so they can warm bottles on the go, it's not that difficult. Although 'health & safety' might be annoying we live in a sue-happy culture and if they had warmed the milk and it was too hot then no doubt she'd be here whining about that instead. The reason so many places are now having to turn down reasonable requests is because some people are unreasonable in their expectations. Sucks, but the few have ruined things for everyone!

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Hk says...10:44am Wed 20 Feb 13

Firstly, Im not sure I would have actually wasted my time and gone to the papers with this story and secondly, most mothers (and some fathers!) know that this is the case with warming up babies' bottles. As pathetic as the rule for health and safety is it happens all over, in particular, in many many restaurants. If you've had that many children before I cant believe someone is not aware of the rules and if you know there is possibly a wait and that baby's bottle is due, warm it up before you go and as someone has mentioned put it in a bottle flask or wrapped it in something to keep the heat in.

Firstly, Im not sure I would have actually wasted my time and gone to the papers with this story and secondly, most mothers (and some fathers!) know that this is the case with warming up babies' bottles. As pathetic as the rule for health and safety is it happens all over, in particular, in many many restaurants. If you've had that many children before I cant believe someone is not aware of the rules and if you know there is possibly a wait and that baby's bottle is due, warm it up before you go and as someone has mentioned put it in a bottle flask or wrapped it in something to keep the heat in.Hk

Firstly, Im not sure I would have actually wasted my time and gone to the papers with this story and secondly, most mothers (and some fathers!) know that this is the case with warming up babies' bottles. As pathetic as the rule for health and safety is it happens all over, in particular, in many many restaurants. If you've had that many children before I cant believe someone is not aware of the rules and if you know there is possibly a wait and that baby's bottle is due, warm it up before you go and as someone has mentioned put it in a bottle flask or wrapped it in something to keep the heat in.

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TIGGY-LEWISHAM says...8:34pm Wed 20 Feb 13

not really a case for the local paper! case of trying hard to cause trouble, and slag off the baby clinic! if that was me, I wouldn't of even thought "hey, I am going to contact local paper & complain" get a life woman....

not really a case for the local paper! case of trying hard to cause trouble, and slag off the baby clinic!
if that was me, I wouldn't of even thought "hey, I am going to contact local paper & complain"
get a life woman....TIGGY-LEWISHAM

not really a case for the local paper! case of trying hard to cause trouble, and slag off the baby clinic! if that was me, I wouldn't of even thought "hey, I am going to contact local paper & complain" get a life woman....

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mummyMFC says...12:42am Thu 21 Feb 13

Obviously you people don't have children or any compassion yourselves as you all seem to be missing the point here. Ok maybe its not world breaking news but I'd be fuming too had I'd been treated this way! This was a BABY CLINIC not a betting shop so the least you would expect from a facility like this is some care and compassion from the very people who are put in place to 'protect' and 'oversee the wellbeing' of our children but these so called 'professionals' we quite the opposite in my opinion. How could they be happy to see a baby in distress like that and not help??? Ridiculous!!! If it was my child screaming for a bottle and all it took was a zap in the microwave (not ideal but better than nothing) or to stand in hot water behind the counter safely etc then I wouldn't think twice about asking, especially in a clinic. To me this is jobsworths & health & safety gone mad, AGAIN!!!

Obviously you people don't have children or any compassion yourselves as you all seem to be missing the point here.
Ok maybe its not world breaking news but I'd be fuming too had I'd been treated this way!
This was a BABY CLINIC not a betting shop so the least you would expect from a facility like this is some care and compassion from the very people who are put in place to 'protect' and 'oversee the wellbeing' of our children but these so called 'professionals' we quite the opposite in my opinion. How could they be happy to see a baby in distress like that and not help??? Ridiculous!!!
If it was my child screaming for a bottle and all it took was a zap in the microwave (not ideal but better than nothing) or to stand in hot water behind the counter safely etc then I wouldn't think twice about asking, especially in a clinic. To me this is jobsworths & health & safety gone mad, AGAIN!!!mummyMFC

Obviously you people don't have children or any compassion yourselves as you all seem to be missing the point here. Ok maybe its not world breaking news but I'd be fuming too had I'd been treated this way! This was a BABY CLINIC not a betting shop so the least you would expect from a facility like this is some care and compassion from the very people who are put in place to 'protect' and 'oversee the wellbeing' of our children but these so called 'professionals' we quite the opposite in my opinion. How could they be happy to see a baby in distress like that and not help??? Ridiculous!!! If it was my child screaming for a bottle and all it took was a zap in the microwave (not ideal but better than nothing) or to stand in hot water behind the counter safely etc then I wouldn't think twice about asking, especially in a clinic. To me this is jobsworths & health & safety gone mad, AGAIN!!!

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the wall says...10:57am Thu 21 Feb 13

mummyMFC wrote…

Obviously you people don't have children or any compassion yourselves as you all seem to be missing the point here. Ok maybe its not world breaking news but I'd be fuming too had I'd been treated this way! This was a BABY CLINIC not a betting shop so the least you would expect from a facility like this is some care and compassion from the very people who are put in place to 'protect' and 'oversee the wellbeing' of our children but these so called 'professionals' we quite the opposite in my opinion. How could they be happy to see a baby in distress like that and not help??? Ridiculous!!! If it was my child screaming for a bottle and all it took was a zap in the microwave (not ideal but better than nothing) or to stand in hot water behind the counter safely etc then I wouldn't think twice about asking, especially in a clinic. To me this is jobsworths & health & safety gone mad, AGAIN!!!

How about taking responsibility and accountability for your own baby and not think the world should revolve around you because you have had a baby.

[quote][p][bold]mummyMFC[/bold] wrote:
Obviously you people don't have children or any compassion yourselves as you all seem to be missing the point here.
Ok maybe its not world breaking news but I'd be fuming too had I'd been treated this way!
This was a BABY CLINIC not a betting shop so the least you would expect from a facility like this is some care and compassion from the very people who are put in place to 'protect' and 'oversee the wellbeing' of our children but these so called 'professionals' we quite the opposite in my opinion. How could they be happy to see a baby in distress like that and not help??? Ridiculous!!!
If it was my child screaming for a bottle and all it took was a zap in the microwave (not ideal but better than nothing) or to stand in hot water behind the counter safely etc then I wouldn't think twice about asking, especially in a clinic. To me this is jobsworths & health & safety gone mad, AGAIN!!![/p][/quote]How about taking responsibility and accountability for your own baby and not think the world should revolve around you because you have had a baby.the wall

mummyMFC wrote…

Obviously you people don't have children or any compassion yourselves as you all seem to be missing the point here. Ok maybe its not world breaking news but I'd be fuming too had I'd been treated this way! This was a BABY CLINIC not a betting shop so the least you would expect from a facility like this is some care and compassion from the very people who are put in place to 'protect' and 'oversee the wellbeing' of our children but these so called 'professionals' we quite the opposite in my opinion. How could they be happy to see a baby in distress like that and not help??? Ridiculous!!! If it was my child screaming for a bottle and all it took was a zap in the microwave (not ideal but better than nothing) or to stand in hot water behind the counter safely etc then I wouldn't think twice about asking, especially in a clinic. To me this is jobsworths & health & safety gone mad, AGAIN!!!

How about taking responsibility and accountability for your own baby and not think the world should revolve around you because you have had a baby.

Score: 0

Gypo.Joe says...11:23am Thu 21 Feb 13

Sheer lazyness. T1tty is best.

Sheer lazyness. T1tty is best.Gypo.Joe

Sheer lazyness. T1tty is best.

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kentmum says...7:19pm Fri 22 Feb 13

Letting the mum warm the bottle up in a microwave surely is a much safer option than giving her a cup with boiling water in it for the bottle to sit in especially when she has a screaming baby to carry too.

Letting the mum warm the bottle up in a microwave surely is a much safer option than giving her a cup with boiling water in it for the bottle to sit in especially when she has a screaming baby to carry too.kentmum

Letting the mum warm the bottle up in a microwave surely is a much safer option than giving her a cup with boiling water in it for the bottle to sit in especially when she has a screaming baby to carry too.

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Virtual-Monster says...8:23pm Fri 22 Feb 13

Breast is best - Temperature controlled, hygenic and an excellent delivery device. No microwave or boiling water required.....

Breast is best - Temperature controlled, hygenic and an excellent delivery device. No microwave or boiling water required.....Virtual-Monster

Breast is best - Temperature controlled, hygenic and an excellent delivery device. No microwave or boiling water required.....

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the wall says...10:41am Mon 25 Feb 13

kentmum wrote…

Letting the mum warm the bottle up in a microwave surely is a much safer option than giving her a cup with boiling water in it for the bottle to sit in especially when she has a screaming baby to carry too.

Can't see a problem here. What's the water going to do, suddenly jump out of the cup? Also wouldn't you need more than a cup? How would the bottle sit in a cup? Could the mother not put the baby in a pram for 10 - 20 seconds. Also what moron would give a cup of hot water to someone holding a baby, you would put down on a table. Think your just making things up in your head.

[quote][p][bold]kentmum[/bold] wrote:
Letting the mum warm the bottle up in a microwave surely is a much safer option than giving her a cup with boiling water in it for the bottle to sit in especially when she has a screaming baby to carry too.[/p][/quote]Can't see a problem here. What's the water going to do, suddenly jump out of the cup? Also wouldn't you need more than a cup? How would the bottle sit in a cup? Could the mother not put the baby in a pram for 10 - 20 seconds. Also what moron would give a cup of hot water to someone holding a baby, you would put down on a table.
Think your just making things up in your head.the wall

kentmum wrote…

Letting the mum warm the bottle up in a microwave surely is a much safer option than giving her a cup with boiling water in it for the bottle to sit in especially when she has a screaming baby to carry too.

Can't see a problem here. What's the water going to do, suddenly jump out of the cup? Also wouldn't you need more than a cup? How would the bottle sit in a cup? Could the mother not put the baby in a pram for 10 - 20 seconds. Also what moron would give a cup of hot water to someone holding a baby, you would put down on a table. Think your just making things up in your head.

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kentmum says...6:40pm Tue 26 Feb 13

At coffee shops you usually get handed one of those large coffee cups (ok mugs to be precise) to put the bottle in. Even if it is put down on the table, its easy to knock it over so therefore i feel warming it in microwave is safer Seems like you are over thinking things.

At coffee shops you usually get handed one of those large coffee cups (ok mugs to be precise) to put the bottle in. Even if it is put down on the table, its easy to knock it over so therefore i feel warming it in microwave is safer
Seems like you are over thinking things.kentmum

At coffee shops you usually get handed one of those large coffee cups (ok mugs to be precise) to put the bottle in. Even if it is put down on the table, its easy to knock it over so therefore i feel warming it in microwave is safer Seems like you are over thinking things.

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